"Having a strong and autonomous ombudsman program is really important," says Enid Cox, director of the Institute of Gerontology at the University of Denver.

...

Cox says Virginia Fraser's resignation is a blow to seniors all over the state.

...

"It's heartbreaking that someone who's had such an excellent long-term career would need to terminate their position because she felt she couldn't do her job," Cox says.

The state is currently negotiating a new ombudsman's program contract with the Legal Center for People With Disabilities and Older People.
Since Fraser's resignation, the state reportedly has backed off on some of its previous demands that the ombudsman be restricted from talking to the public.